₦airaland Forum

As shared by Senator Shehu Sani

Bukar Dipcharima: The Forgotten Acting Prime Minister of 1966

Bukar Dipcharima (1917–1969) was a Nigerian politician from Borno Province in the old Northern Region, remembered today as the little-known acting Prime Minister during the national crisis following the January 15, 1966 military coup.

Dipcharima was a teacher by profession who became active in politics through the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) and later the Northern People's Congress (NPC). He was elected to the House of Representatives and served as Minister of Transport under Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

When Balewa was abducted and later killed in the 1966 coup, Nigeria faced a severe leadership vacuum. As one of the highest-ranking surviving ministers, Dipcharima was chosen by the remaining cabinet members as acting Prime Minister to stabilize the government. However, this arrangement was short-lived. Just days later, the military under Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed control, marking the end of Nigeria’s First Republic.

Although Dipcharima held the position of acting Prime Minister for only a brief period, his role was crucial in trying to preserve civilian authority during a national emergency. Sadly, he died just three years later in 1969.

Today, Bukar Dipcharima is rarely mentioned in Nigerian political history, yet his name remains tied to a defining moment when the country stood on the brink of total collapse. His loyalty to civilian rule and calm leadership in crisis deserve greater recognition.

Just heard about him now, I thought 💭🤔 only Tafawa is only prime we gat in Nigeria

muyico:
Just heard about him now, I thought 💭🤔 only Tafawa is only prime we gat in Nigeria

He was proposed, but the acting President did not swear him into office.

Throwback:
He was proposed, but the acting President did not swear him into office.

Who was the acting President?
Who eventually got the office?
Please where were answers to the two questions above from? 😝😂

Amotolongbo:
Who was the acting President?
Who eventually got the office?
Please where were answers to the two questions above from? 😝😂

The then Senate President - Dr Akweke Abyssinia Nwafor Orizu was acting President from late 1965 till Jan 1966 coup.

AskProf:
The then Senate President - Dr Akweke Abyssinia Nwafor Orizu was acting President from late 1965 till Jan 1966 coup.

3 questions but you answered 1

Yes you were corrected. Bukar Dipcharima was the acting prime minister before he caved in when Ironsi approached the then Senate President - Nwafor Orizu to allow the military take over and suppress the mutiny of January 15 1966.

Amotolongbo:
3 questions but you answered 1

Who was the acting President?
Who eventually got the office?
Please where were answers to the two questions above from? 😝😂.

Which office?